The Practices and Challenges in Conducting Action Research in Secondary Schools of Silti Woreda
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Date
2013-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main objective of the study was to investigate the practice and challenges
in conducting action research in Secondary Schools of Silti Woreda. In order to
attain the objective, the study answered the basic questions such as, What is
the current status of teachers' practice in action research activities? And
what are the factors that influence teachers' practice in action research in
Silti woreda secondary schools? A descriptive survey method was used to
describe the situation of the status of practice and challenges in conducting
action research in the schools. Data was gathered from two sources; the
primary source of information in this study includes secondary school
teachers, secondary schools directors, woreda education office expert and
sup e rvisors. The primary data relevant to the study was collected using
questionnaire, interview and focus group discussions. Secondary data was
gathered from documents.
Based on the data analysis, the current status of secondary school teachers '
practice in action research was found to be low and considerable number of
teachers did not get the opportunity to participate in workshops; seminars and
in-service trainings related to action research; also they did not read books,
journals and handouts to develop their research s kills. Moreover, the study
investigated factors that influence Teachers' practice in action research.
Shortage of materials (computer access, research journals, reference
books, internet service, research works, handouts, etc), lack of support
from school administrations, absence of professional training on research,
lack of active involvement of stakeholders such as NGOs, School
Administers, Woreda education office etc in action research process in
schools, commitment and willingness of teachers in conducting action research
and absence of financial support were the major factors that influence action
research activity in the schools. Conclusion, suggestions and
recommendations for improvement of the current practices and challenges
of action research were made based on the findings.
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Keywords
Challenges in Conducting Action Research